&Juliet @ Opera House
Until 12th October
The musical has been doing so well that they’ve extended its run until the middle of October. Telling the story of Juliet after Romeo snuffs it, this is an all-singing, all-dancing musical extravaganza.
Macbeth @ Royal Exchange Theatre
Until 17th October
Continuing its run at the Royal Exchange, a play that needs no introduction but only the promise that you’ll be the first to watch this stunning version directed by Christopher Haydon. Just don’t say the title to any of your actor friends before, during or after the show – it’ll only upset them.
Royal Shakespeare Company: As You Like It @ The Lowry
2nd – 5th October
We’re being treated to not one but two Shakespeare classics running alongside each other at The Lowry this month. As You Like It follows Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, with her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. Some of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes come from As You Like It, such as “All the world’s a stage”, “too much of a good thing”.
Royal Shakespeare Company: Measure for Measure @ The Lowry
1st – 5th October
The second of the Shakespeare plays at The Lowry in early October is Measure for Measure, which is a story following a young novice nun who is compromised by a corrupt official, offering to save her brother from execution in return for sex. She threatens to expose him, but he tells her that no one would believe her.
Trojan Horse @ The Lowry
8th – 12th October
Trojan Horse was first developed with Leeds Playhouse and Amnesty International Freedom of Expression and is a Fringe award-winning play. The story? Community torn apart by racial division, ‘British values’ and the culture of Prevent.
Curtains @ Palace Theatre
8th – 12th October
From the creators of Chicago and Cabaret comes a new musical which is the ultimate whodunnit live on stage. Packed full of catchy songs, plot twists and unforgettable characters this Tony award winner looks set to be a right bloody good time for all.
Cinderella @ Palace Theatre
17th – 19th October
Christopher Wheeldon’s take on the timeless Brothers Grimm and classical ballet performance. The story is brought to life by over 40 dancers and magical surprises throughout.
ABBA Mania @ Palace Theatre
20th October
A show that needs no introduction except that it’s ABBA and ABBA songs and all things ABBA – we’re all manic about them anyway.
Avenue Q @ Palace Theatre
21st – 26th October
Winner of the Tony triple crown – Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book – I won’t even give away any of the plot and let the awards speak for themselves. Don’t miss this very limited run of Avenue Q.
The Exorcist @ Opera House
22nd – 26th October
I don’t know how else to convince you that this is going to be a truly magnificent show except that Ian McKellen voices the demon. Or how about you will jump out of your skin just in time for Halloween? Either way, we’ve all seen the film, die-hards have even read the book, now watch it come to its gruesome, tormented life on the stage.
Light Falls @ Royal Exchange Theatre
24th October – 16th November
Five relatives in five differing towns across the UK including Blackpool and Durham, with music composed by the one and only JARVIS COCKER, Light Falls is described as a ‘powerful allegory to the North’ and an intricate study of people and place.
A celebration of Paul Simon’s Graceland Live @ Opera House
27th October
There is no better way to enjoy ‘Graceland’ then by celebrating it heartily in a theatre with other like-minded Paul Simon fans. It’ll be a joyous affair.
On Your Feet @ Palace Theatre
28th October – 2nd November
Straight from the West End and still including many of the original London cast, On Your Feet is the story of Gloria Estefan and Emilio and their true love story from Cuba to Miami and features all the bangers Gloria ever made.